OT - State College recs

[tikk10]

So it looks like I'm moving to State College (at least part time) and I want to leverage the board's collective local knowledge. I'm pretty familiar with State College with respect to geography and places to eat, but not necessarily places to shop. I know there won't be the same selection of, say, cheese, that can be easily found in big cities, but maybe there's some shop that comes close. (WC Clarke's? Yelp suggests maybe?) I know there's a Whole Foods, but are there any good butchers? And how about sea food (by the pound, not restaurants)? I'm doubtful of the latter given State College's lack of a coast. Any good farmer's markets? Also interested in talking to a local woodworker/carpenter for some possible custom work (relatively simple stuff like storage and shelves, maybe furniture).

Apologies to Tom if this is too off-topic, I won't fight if it needs to come down.

 

[PSUer1989]

I don't live in SC now but my parents still do and I am there frequently...No Whole Foods (that I know of!) but SC does have Wegmans and Trader Joe's. There are several farmers markets in and around town. I can't speak to butchers shops or seafood as I always shop at Wegmans for meats and seafoods...

 

[CholleyVandine]

I would recommend the Ron Gilligan Auction House. Buy yourself some livestock and farm equipment and then take care of your own cheese and meat needs.

This is the space I would normally reserve for the “but seriously Tikk” clause, wherein I would offer some actual useful information, but I got nothing.

 

[Dogwelder]

Are you the secret recruit AgSurfer promised?

 

[tikk10]

I would recommend the Ron Gilligan Auction House. Buy yourself some livestock and farm equipment and then take care of your own cheese and meat needs.

This is the space I would normally reserve for the “but seriously Tikk” clause, wherein I would offer some actual useful information, but I got nothing.

Good to know about the Auction House because I'll be keeping an eye out for estate sales for certain items, like a workbench. By now, livestock and farm equipment are well outside my reasonable future.

 

[MadChill]

So it looks like I'm moving to State College (at least part time) and I want to leverage the board's collective local knowledge. I'm pretty familiar with State College with respect to geography and places to eat, but not necessarily places to shop. I know there won't be the same selection of, say, cheese, that can be easily found in big cities, but maybe there's some shop that comes close. (WC Clarke's? Yelp suggests maybe?) I know there's a Whole Foods, but are there any good butchers? And how about sea food (by the pound, not restaurants)? I'm doubtful of the latter given State College's lack of a coast. Any good farmer's markets? Also interested in talking to a local woodworker/carpenter for some possible custom work (relatively simple stuff like storage and shelves, maybe furniture).

Apologies to Tom if this is too off-topic, I won't fight if it needs to come down.

For seafood - Maine Bay and Berry. You can get a mighty tasty lobster roll there.

Fresh Seafood | Maine Bay & Berry Co. | United States

Maine Bay & Berry Co. has the widest selection of fresh and frozen seafood in the Centre Region. We carry over 20 different varieties of fish, crab, lobsters, clams, mussels, and oysters for any occasion you can dream up! Visit our store in State College.

www.mainebayandberry.com

 

[nerfstate]

For seafood - Maine Bay and Berry. You can get a mighty tasty lobster roll there.

Fresh Seafood | Maine Bay & Berry Co. | United States

Maine Bay & Berry Co. has the widest selection of fresh and frozen seafood in the Centre Region. We carry over 20 different varieties of fish, crab, lobsters, clams, mussels, and oysters for any occasion you can dream up! Visit our store in State College.

www.mainebayandberry.com

you can even eat one Creekside at their shared space with the voodoo brewery. Chillest vibe in town.

WC Clarke's and Wegmans should cover most of your cheese needs. My favorite butcher is a bit outside of town but worth the trip. All the farmers markets are good, but I prefer Boalsburg on Tuesday afternoons, or Home Depot on Saturday Mornings.

I can put you in contact w/ my buddy who made this bench, if the style interests you.


Stoked to have you in town @tikk10 . Tagged you because I edited this for more info.

 

[tikk10]

you can even eat one Creekside at their shared space with the voodoo brewery. Chillest vibe in town.

WC Clarke's and Wegmans should cover most of your cheese needs. My favorite butcher is a bit outside of town but worth the trip. All the farmers markets are good, but I prefer Boalsburg on Tuesday afternoons, or Home Depot on Saturday Mornings.

I can put you in contact w/ my buddy who made this bench, if the style interests you.

View embedded media

Stoked to have you in town @tikk10 . Tagged you because I edited this for more info.

All helpful suggestions and yeah, I'd be interested in being connected to your friend the bench maker. I'm tikk[at]tikk[dot]net.

Yes, definitely looking forward to meeting other PSU wrestling fans I've not already met, you high among that group. I've been through State College a slew of times but rarely for longer than a weekend.

 

[PSUer1989]

you can even eat one Creekside at their shared space with the voodoo brewery. Chillest vibe in town.

WC Clarke's and Wegmans should cover most of your cheese needs. My favorite butcher is a bit outside of town but worth the trip. All the farmers markets are good, but I prefer Boalsburg on Tuesday afternoons, or Home Depot on Saturday Mornings.

I can put you in contact w/ my buddy who made this bench, if the style interests you.

View embedded media

Stoked to have you in town @tikk10 . Tagged you because I edited this for more info.

Does he do bed headboards?

 

[El-Jefe]

So it looks like I'm moving to State College (at least part time) and I want to leverage the board's collective local knowledge. I'm pretty familiar with State College with respect to geography and places to eat, but not necessarily places to shop. I know there won't be the same selection of, say, cheese, that can be easily found in big cities, but maybe there's some shop that comes close. (WC Clarke's? Yelp suggests maybe?) I know there's a Whole Foods, but are there any good butchers? And how about sea food (by the pound, not restaurants)? I'm doubtful of the latter given State College's lack of a coast. Any good farmer's markets? Also interested in talking to a local woodworker/carpenter for some possible custom work (relatively simple stuff like storage and shelves, maybe furniture).

Apologies to Tom if this is too off-topic, I won't fight if it needs to come down.

When Tikk wants more cheese in his life, this board is where he goes.

Seriously, congrats on the move to State College.

 

[PSU_Lion_Fan]

Not only does WC Clarke’s have great cheese, But Bill roasts the very best coffee! My recommendation is his “Estate Java”. Best time to visit is early morning when he’s roasting. You can smell it a block away and his shop is filled with a wonderful fog of deliciousness!

 

[nerfstate]

Not only does WC Clarke’s have great cheese, But Bill roasts the very best coffee! My recommendation is his “Estate Java”. Best time to visit is early morning when he’s roasting. You can smell it a block away and his shop is filled with a wonderful fog of deliciousness!

His estate java is awesome! PreCovid musing: Get there early enough and you’ll encounter the club of morning locals hanging out on the bean bags. And bring cash, which you’ll leave on and make change from the counter—all honor system.

 

[PSU_Lion_Fan]

His estate java is awesome! PreCovid musing: Get there early enough and you’ll encounter the club of morning locals hanging out on the bean bags. And bring cash, which you’ll leave on and make change from the counter—all honor system.

State College, PA - Doing It Right: With gourmet foods and memorable coffee, Bill Clarke has fueled a ‘village’ of loyal patrons at The Cheese Shoppe -

“I love my shop and I love my customers,” says Bill Clarke, creator of downtown’s longstanding W.C. Clarke’s The Cheese Shoppe. Opened in 1977, the small storefront is going into its 44th year of business, an institution that’s remained at its East Calder Way location

www.statecollege.com

 

[District four]

Are you the secret recruit AgSurfer promised?

Lol. Now that's funny

 

[jrod65]

Not only does WC Clarke’s have great cheese, But Bill roasts the very best coffee!

 

[Agoodnap]

Not sure with Covid, but Penn State has a Meat Market every Friday. Here's a link.

Friday Meat Sale

High quality, fresh, and local

animalscience.psu.edu

 

[NoVa Lion]

For seafood - Maine Bay and Berry. You can get a mighty tasty lobster roll there.

Fresh Seafood | Maine Bay & Berry Co. | United States

Maine Bay & Berry Co. has the widest selection of fresh and frozen seafood in the Centre Region. We carry over 20 different varieties of fish, crab, lobsters, clams, mussels, and oysters for any occasion you can dream up! Visit our store in State College.

www.mainebayandberry.com

Thanks for the Maine Bay & Berry info. Recently retired to SC myself and looking for recommendations for pretty much anything you've got.

 

[nitlion6]

Outside of State College the Amish farms in Sinking Valley, along Brush Valley Road in Penns Valley and the Farmers Market in Belleville are all fantastic places to get produce and take a nice ride.

 

[nitlion6]

Milk from Meyer Dairy. Do not forget to return your bottles.

 

[manatree]

I like Penns Valley Meat Market in Millheim. Both Spring Bank Acres Farms & Goot Essa cheese can be found at various farmers markets. Spring Bank also sells, raw milk, yogurt, honey, and a few other items as well.

 

[The Stan]

I Second Penns valley meat market. get some growlers from elk Creek Cafe which is a half block away.... one note on the Penns valley meat market, it is cash only.... well maybe checks but no credit /debit.

 

[El-Jefe]

Has the Gaff re-opened?

Wait, not that kind of meat market. Never mind.

 

[AgSurfer]

Tikk10 - I'm surprised that nobody else has mentioned it, but if you're into wrestling, I've heard that the local college team is pretty decent.

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

So it looks like I'm moving to State College (at least part time) and I want to leverage the board's collective local knowledge. I'm pretty familiar with State College with respect to geography and places to eat, but not necessarily places to shop. I know there won't be the same selection of, say, cheese, that can be easily found in big cities, but maybe there's some shop that comes close. (WC Clarke's? Yelp suggests maybe?) I know there's a Whole Foods, but are there any good butchers? And how about sea food (by the pound, not restaurants)? I'm doubtful of the latter given State College's lack of a coast. Any good farmer's markets? Also interested in talking to a local woodworker/carpenter for some possible custom work (relatively simple stuff like storage and shelves, maybe furniture).

Apologies to Tom if this is too off-topic, I won't fight if it needs to come down.

Wegman's surprisingly has a pretty "decent" cheese selection.. There is a small shop also on Calder way with a small but varied selection as well.. As for Butchers... I have not been to it but have heard good things about a small town butcher in Millheim which is close to SC.. Going to try it out.. The one thing I can tell you Tikk is that you have some pretty awesome neighbors...;-)

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

And while it is not "local"... if you get to Pittsburgh on a weekend.. on the strip.. Penn Mac has as good a cheese selection as you can find anywhere.. including the big cities..

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

Edit.. just saw the mention of Penns Valley.. and Elk Creek cafe.. I think that is the one I am referencing as well..

 

[El-Jefe]

And while it is not "local"... if you get to Pittsburgh on a weekend.. on the strip.. Penn Mac has as good a cheese selection as you can find anywhere.. including the big cities..

Pittsburgh isn't a big city?

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

compared to NYC where he is from? No....

 

[El-Jefe]

By that standard, San Francisco isn't a large city. SF has about 10% of NYC's population.

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

Born and raised in Pgh.. Most people from Pgh don't consider a big city.. it is what it is.. not worth a debate... Wouldn't want to call any other city my home town.. Living in SC and getting back is great...

 

[tikk10]

I liked Pittsburgh a lot when we were there for NCAAs. It's actually a great food city, and the majority of it is similar to NYC's outer boroughs, with distinct cultural and ethnic enclaves. Far more hilly than I imagined. The very-dated picture in my mind before getting there was "Deer Hunter" though, so I was bound to be pleasantly surprised that it wasn't covered grime and coal.

 

[7brwnpsu]

Hockeygod, if you don't mind, what part of Pittsburgh are you from? I'm much older than you, but did you play hockey as a youth.

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

Hockeygod, if you don't mind, what part of Pittsburgh are you from? I'm much older than you, but did you play hockey as a youth.

Squirrel Hill growing up. but no..started playing in Med school in Philly area. Played until I broke my leg on the ice and needed plates and screws. Haha. Tried to go back but the skate was Like torture on my ankle.

 

[7brwnpsu]

Squirrel Hill growing up. but no..started playing in Med school in Philly area. Played until I broke my leg on the ice and needed plates and screws. Haha. Tried to go back but the skate was Like torture on my ankle.

Thanks, my brother, a defenseman was the same way. A check of him on the boards brought on the pins and screws accessories in the ankle.

In your case, it was literally physician heal thyself. My wife works for a doctor who grew up in Squirrel Hill. He is getting near the end of his career -a great guy, great doctor, endocrinologist. Squirrel Hill must have superior water.

 

[tikk10]

After having lunch yesterday at Hill Country BBQ (26th St., so worth it), I was kicking myself for not asking about BBQ in State College. The only place I've been to is Clem's, which was great. I'm told it'd been there for years, though never quite in the same place. When I visited a few years back it was just a truck parked in an open field somewhere outside town. Is there decent BBQ beyond Clem's?

 

[nitlion6]

After having lunch yesterday at Hill Country BBQ (26th St., so worth it), I was kicking myself for not asking about BBQ in State College. The only place I've been to is Clem's, which was great. I'm told it'd been there for years, though never quite in the same place. When I visited a few years back it was just a truck parked in an open field somewhere outside town. Is there decent BBQ beyond Clem's?

Not pure BBQ, but the Spruce Creek Tavern has fantastic ribs.
My grandson likes Prospectors. Hogs Galore, on top of the hill entering Philipsburg (economic park), butchers their own hogs and has great chops.

 

[nerfstate]

After having lunch yesterday at Hill Country BBQ (26th St., so worth it), I was kicking myself for not asking about BBQ in State College. The only place I've been to is Clem's, which was great. I'm told it'd been there for years, though never quite in the same place. When I visited a few years back it was just a truck parked in an open field somewhere outside town. Is there decent BBQ beyond Clem's?

I'm partial to Doan's Bones too--they used to have a downtown distribution location, but Covid changed that.

 

[RoarLions1]

Lots of great suggestions. We can talk whenever you want, but here's a few repeats for added emphasis...

-- Maine Bay and Berry Co., can't go wrong. They were a small portable operation for the longest time before settling next to Happy Valley Brewery. Very popular.

-- For BBQ, Clem's is great, so is Doan's Bones (though as someone said, the Beaver Ave. location is closed). We're doing Clem's this coming weekend. Hate to say it, though it's related -- we happen to like the riblets at Applebees too.

-- For fun, if you like hard ciders, there's now two within easy driving, J.L. Farms (814 Cider Works) in St. College, and Good Intent in Bellefonte. Just mentioning.

 

[Psu9012]

Nittany meats is a good local butcher. They're located out 64 towards bellefonte/zion area.

Welcome to the area!!

 

[pawrestlersintn]

So it looks like I'm moving to State College (at least part time) and I want to leverage the board's collective local knowledge. I'm pretty familiar with State College with respect to geography and places to eat, but not necessarily places to shop. I know there won't be the same selection of, say, cheese, that can be easily found in big cities, but maybe there's some shop that comes close. (WC Clarke's? Yelp suggests maybe?) I know there's a Whole Foods, but are there any good butchers? And how about sea food (by the pound, not restaurants)? I'm doubtful of the latter given State College's lack of a coast. Any good farmer's markets? Also interested in talking to a local woodworker/carpenter for some possible custom work (relatively simple stuff like storage and shelves, maybe furniture).

Apologies to Tom if this is too off-topic, I won't fight if it needs to come down.

Sometime you can make a plan for an hour Wednesday drive to Lewisburg. Lewisburg Farmers Market, Fishers and/or Byerly Brothers Butcher Shop, and wrap up at Susquehanna Smokehouse.